XN000022-1973-08-13 — Page 5

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Monday, August 13, 1973

FIRE SERVICES IN NEW TERRITORIES

The Fire Services Department is forging ahead with plans to further

improve its fire fighting capability in the New Territories for the safety

of rural residents, Mr. F. Jackson, Chief Fire Officer of the New Territories Command Fire Headquarters, said today.

"We in the service are fully conscious of the need for an efficient

fire fighting and rescue force in the New Territories, and the present station, appliance, ambulance and fulltime personnel cover is an indication that wo do not intend boing left behind in the development programe, "ho told members

of the Rotary Club, N.T.

In addition to the various 'satellite' stations in the rural areas, large divisional stations were being planned in newly developed areas such as Sha Tin and Tuen Mun, and top priority was being given to more anbulance depots in Yuen Long and Kwai Chung, he said.

Water supply for fire fighting was also being increased, ho added, and more than 300 fire hydrants had been installed during the past few months.

Now appliances were being made available to provide round-the-clock protection against fires, as well as to deal with other emergencies such as traffic accidents, swimming tragedies, and hilltop searches and rescues. Helicopters were also being used for the more distant areas to reduce travelling tines for patients in serious condition.

Mr. Jackson emphasised, however, that residents too had a vital role to play in helping to prevent fires and protecting their property.

"Fire prevention